Exclusive: Lions’ Playoff Push and the Curious Case of Haashiem Pead

It has been a season of promise and grit for the Emirates Lions, who currently sit seventh on the United Rugby Championship (URC) standings and are firmly in contention for a playoff berth. Former Springbok and Lions centre Gcobani Bobo believes the Johannesburg-based side have done enough to be proud of their campaign so far.

“They will be proud of their recent performances. They’ve shown a lot of fight, and the youngsters are really stepping up,” Bobo told SportsBoom.co.za. 

“Traditionally, the Lions have fallen away towards the end of the season, but this time they’ve delivered two massive results away from home.”

Those statement victories came against heavyweight South African rivals, the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld and the Sharks in Durban.

“The important thing about those wins is that they came against much more fancied teams loaded with Springboks,” Bobo explained. 

“The Lions have a young squad of soldiers who have really stood up, and you can’t take that away from them.”

Playoff Contenders

Bobo was candid when assessing the Lions’ long-term building phase under head coach Ivan van Rooyen and what success should look like this season.

“The Lions still have a chance to finish in the top eight and make the URC playoffs. That should be their target,” he said. 

“If they don’t achieve that, it would be a failure.”

He added that patience can only go so far.

“They’ve been building since 2022/23, and now is the time to draw a line in the sand. They must ask themselves what is needed to be successful, or whether change is required. You can’t keep doing the same thing and fall away at the end every season.”

The Curious Case of Haashiem Pead

One of the biggest talking points surrounding the Lions this season has been the management of young scrumhalf Haashiem Pead. The nuggety No.9 burst onto the global stage at the World Rugby U20 Championship, where South Africa lifted the trophy, and his performances drew comparisons to French superstar Antoine Dupont.

Despite his rise and recent nomination for SA Junior Player of the Year, an award he is widely tipped to win, Pead has seen limited game time at URC level. With a Springbok scrumhalf Morne van den Berg and former Junior Springbok Nico Steyn also on the Lions’ books, competition for minutes has been fierce.

Fans, however, have voiced their frustration.

“I can imagine how frustrating it must be for him,” Bobo admitted. 

“He was touted as one of the players who broke Antoine Dupont’s records at the U20 World Championship, and now he’s getting limited opportunities.”

Bobo was quick to add some perspective.

“We as the public are not at training. We don’t see whether he’s meeting the requirements or the performance metrics the coaches use. The step up from U20 rugby to the URC is massive, especially in terms of game management and leading a team.”

While many believe Pead should have featured earlier in the season, Bobo believes patience will serve him well.

“Yes, maybe he could have been given a chance earlier, but we don’t know if he was ticking all the boxes. I’ve been impressed by him, but he shouldn’t be entitled to the jersey, he must earn it. I praise him for keeping his head up and staying positive.”

Van Rooyen Backs His Young Star

Lions head coach Ivan van Rooyen has also defended his handling of Pead, describing it as a balancing act between three quality scrumhalves.

“We’re super excited about all our nines,” Van Rooyen said.

“Hash is a special player, the way he speeds up our game is incredible. He’s had good exposure touring with us and learning the bigger picture.”

“We’re as excited about him as everyone else is, and we’re confident he can make a difference when given the opportunity.”

With momentum building and belief growing, the Lions now have a golden opportunity to turn promise into tangible success, and finally break into the URC playoffs.